Libraries are Where it Happens!
There's always something exciting happening in libraries across Surrey, so keep reading for our top 10 events in libraries happening this July.
Summer Reading Challenge – John Kirk launch events
The wait is almost over! The Summer Reading Challenge will kick off on Saturday 6 July. This year, the biggest reading programme is all about the Creative Arts. It will inspire children to keep reading during the summer holidays to build their confidence and skills. Participation is free, and children can collect stickers and rewards along the way.
To celebrate the launch of the challenge, the brilliantly engaging John Kirk is hosting a part-storytelling, part-scavenger hunt event at Guildford Library and Godalming Library. Suggested donation £1 per child. To book your ticket, and find out more Summer Reading Challenge events, visit our Surrey Libraries Eventbrite page.
Author events for children and teens
We have the following author events for children in July:
- Meet best-selling author Tom Easton on 6 July to celebrate the launch of the Summer Reading Challenge. His latest book is the Sunday Times Bestseller 'Max Magic: The Incredible Holiday Hideout', co-written with Stephen Mulhern. Farnham Library 10:30am start, and Ash Library 2.15pm start. 7 to 11 year olds. Tickets £4 per child. Adults free.
- Musical Storytime with SP K-Mushambi at Caterham Valley Library on 13 July, 2pm to 2.45pm. 3 to 7 year olds. Donation requested.
- Fireblood: Fantasy workshop with Sam Stewart at Dittons Library on 20 July 11am to 12pm. 8 to 14 year olds. Tickets £4 per child. Adults free.
- Storytime Draw-along with illustrator Siân Roberts at Horsley Library on 25 July 10.30am, and Guildford Library on 30 July 10.30am. 4 to 8 year olds. Tickets £5 per child. Adults free.
To book your tickets, please visit Surrey Libraries Eventbrite page.
Historical Fiction Talk at Weybridge Library
Join Paula Owen at Weybridge Library on Saturday 27 July from 3om to 4pm for a fascinating author talk, question and answer about her book, Little Brown Dog. This historical novel is based on the true story of two women's fight for justice against the medical establishment in Edwardian Britain. Tickets £4. Book in the library or online via Historical Fiction Talk with Paula Owen at Weybridge Library Tickets.
Independent Skills courses at 14 Surrey Libraries
The Independent Skills project aims to empower individuals to live independently. These skills could vary from person to person. Common examples include budgeting money, light exercise routines, and basic computer skills. Partner organisations will help Surrey Libraries to deliver sessions in local libraries including Active Surrey, Trading Standards and Surrey Adult Learning.
From July onwards, courses are available in 14 libraries. To find out more and to book your place on this eight week programme, please visit Independent skills in Surrey Libraries.
Make do and mend workshops at Cranleigh Library
Cranleigh Library is now hosting monthly 'Make do and mend' workshops. On the third Saturday of each month, bring along a textile item you would like mended. Our volunteers will then try and work their magic.
Please note our volunteers are unable to mend or replace zips. Next session on 20 July. To book your slot please ask at the desk in Cranleigh library or email cranleigh.library@surreycc.gov.uk.
Meet up: Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey at Oxted library
Join Sight for Surrey with our new informal meet ups. Supporting people who are blind, vision impaired, deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing. Sessions will be held monthly on Wednesdays between 10am to 12pm. The next session is 10 July. Just drop in - no need to book.
Library Quiz at Ashford Library
Who doesn't love a good general knowledge quiz! Every Friday you can take part in one at Ashford Library from 2pm to 4pm. Entry is free, and everyone is welcome. To find out more, please speak to a member of staff at Ashford Library or visit Events and activities at Ashford Library.
Dog Trust workshops at Camberley and Farnham Libraries
Give your family a treat and learn some new tricks by coming along to a free, fun and dog-focused family workshop. This face-to-face workshop is packed with engaging dog-related games, activities, and role play designed to teach children how to behave responsibly around our four-pawed friends and understand their body language.
Farnham Library on 30 July at 1.30pm start and Camberley Library on 31 July at 1.30pm. Workshops also available in August. To book your ticket, please visit Surrey Libraries Eventbrite page.
Explore Learning workshop at Lightwater Library
During the summer holidays, Explore Learning will be hosting workshops every Friday at Lightwater Library. The first workshop is on 26 July and will celebrate the Summer Reading Challenge. Other workshops include handwriting, fun with phonics and geometry. Workshops are free, but booking is necessary. To book, telephone Explore Learning on 01483 600903 or email woking@explorelearning.co.uk. Alternatively, pop into Lightwater Library to sign up.
Poetry Hub at Staines Library
The weekly Poetry Hub is designed to be a haven for adults seeking connection and creativity through the power of poetry. Each session will offer a warm and welcoming environment, where participants can engage in various activities centered around verse. Monday at Staines Library from 10am to 12pm. Pop in the library to sign up or email staines.library@surreycc.gov.uk.